Chang'an, Cai Mansion.
On a starry night, the bright moonlight shines on Cai Yan's small courtyard. She was in the courtyard, holding a guqin in her arms, named "Jiaowei Qin". It was the treasure of the contemporary scholar Cai Yong, who gave it to his daughter because he loved Cai Yan.
She was dressed in white, with her long hair hanging down freely without any decoration. The moonlight shone on her dark and smooth hair, reflecting a halo like glass. She was like the fairy Chang'e under the moonlit night, with a beautiful face. There is always an endless look of indifference on his face. He is obviously no more than 10 years old, but he seems to have seen all the right and wrong in the world.
Until the sound of the piano like running water came from the courtyard, a hint of expectation finally appeared on her indifferent face. The soothing piano music came faintly, without a trace of noise, and the rhythm control was also extremely good. She recalled in her heart The interesting story of being teased by Yuan Xi when she was a child, as well as a recent encounter, made her daughter's family worry a lot.
Her heart gradually sank into the extremely peaceful music of the piano, which contained traces of pathos. She had read the ancient books left to her by her father Cai Yong, and naturally understood that mourning is the most precious thing when playing the piano. This kind of pathos is not The sadder the better, but a state of "sad but not sad". The Qin Dao that she could not understand at first seemed to suddenly become clear at this moment.
There is a touch of melancholy in the sound of the piano, just like the melancholy of seeing the falling flowers in dusk and falling leaves in early autumn, the feeling that spring is about to pass, and the good times cannot last forever but there is no choice. It is implicit and euphemistic. Because of this, so More and more exciting.
The appeal of this piano sound is so strong!
The expression on her face became complicated. When she was young, she often fell asleep listening to her father's piano music. At this moment, she had to admit that her piano skills had reached the highest level.
In her mind, she couldn't help but recall the appearance of little Yuan Xi back then. He was lazy and lazy, with an elegant and handsome face that always had a confident smile, and his melancholy and cunning eyes were like autumn water. However, he was always gentle to Gao Yue. Yes, pampering. Thinking of this, Cai Yan paused and could no longer find the mood and feeling he had just now.
When the song ended, the breeze blew through the bamboo leaves in the courtyard. The bamboo leaves rustled and brushed against Cai Yan's beautiful cheeks. She suddenly felt a coolness and carelessly touched her cheeks with her hands. Unexpectedly, she was already crying. Flow all over face.
The beauty sighed softly, the sky was getting brighter.
Yecheng, Hebei Province.
I haven't visited the two Zhang Liang and Xiao He for two days. Let's try our best for the time being. After all, top counselors are not so easy to recruit, but Yuan Xi cannot tolerate them going to Cao Cao. This is something Yuan Xi cannot tolerate. bottom line.
However, when Yuan Xi brought Xu Chu to Xun Yu's house, the steward said apologetically: "Don't you know, sir, that my young master had gone to Yanzhou yesterday?"
Yuan Xi was shocked as his heart skipped a beat, "Mr. Xun took Mr. Guo there, can you tell me exactly where?"
Yuan Xi was shocked and angry. What surprised him was that Xun Yu and Guo Jia left without saying goodbye. What made him angry was that they looked down on the Yuan family and themselves so much. They really didn’t know how to praise them. No wonder Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, on the eve of the Xuanwumen Incident, if Fang Xuan Ling and others hesitated and asked Yuchi Gong to kill them. They were really harmless and husbandless.
The steward shook his head, "Young Master went with Mr. Guo, but he didn't tell me the specific situation. If Young Master Yuan wants to know, please ask Mr. Youruo."
Yuan Xi said nothing more, but looked faintly towards the southern sky, "Is Cao Cao really worthy of your help?" he murmured.
After a moment, a cold light flashed in Yuan Xi's eyes, "Zhongkang, call the tiger guards immediately, one man and three cavalry to pursue Xun Wenruo."
Xu Chu immediately went to gather men and horses, and also recruited some other horses under Zhao Yun, who was under Yuan Xi's command. Some things are not suitable for people like Zhao Yun to do.
Yuan Xi led the Tiger Guards to chase Xun Yu and Guo Jia along the official road leading to Yanzhou.
Half a day later, he finally heard about them at a post station. After confirming that the route was correct, Yuan Xi ordered the horsemen to take turns to chase them all night without rest.
In ancient times, Xiao He chased Han Xin under the moon, but now Yuan Xi chases Guo Jia under the moon.
Yuan Xi felt a chill in the night wind, but his heart was even colder.
Fortunately, after several years of practicing martial arts, riding and archery and Zuo Ci's guidance skills, this little hassle was nothing for him.
Until early morning, all the guards were exhausted.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia were sitting beside the carriage on the post road. Guo Jia was still holding a book in his hand and reading aloud. When they were about to reach the next pavilion, they heard the rapid sound of horse hooves behind them. After a while, they saw Yuan Xi catching up with them with hundreds of horses.
The two of them obviously didn't expect that Yuan Xi would chase Baili here. Guo Jia's heart moved, and he looked at Xun Yu with some worry.
Yuan Xi caught up with the two men's carriage immediately when he saw them. After dismounting, he stood with his hands behind his hands and said slowly: "It's really not fun for two brothers to travel far away without even knowing a word from the younger brother."
Xun Yu said apologetically: "My lord, I see that you are very busy and have to lead the army at the same time, so you are not too busy. I am deeply moved by your consideration."
Yuan Xi still asked calmly: "Then where are you going? Can you tell me a little bit?"
"Yingchuan suffered a great calamity. Now that we two have gone back to see if there are any surviving elders in the village." Xun Yu replied happily.
"It is not peaceful now that there are wars and wars all over the Central Plains. Sir, it is better not to personally take part in the danger. Besides, why do you have the heart to leave as your family is in Jizhou?" Yuan Xi rode forward and said leisurely.
Xun Yu smiled and said: "A gentleman does not avoid danger. What's more, Yuan Cheqi is an outstanding gentleman in the world and he will definitely take care of my children." Chen Gong said this to Cao Cao before he died. After saying this, he pulled Guo Jia. Tell him to say something.
Yuan Xi saw Xun Yu walking resolutely, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he tightened the riding crop in his hand.
He didn't want these two people to go to Cao Cao and become his biggest enemies. Rather than die in the future, it would be better to avoid future troubles now. Just like if Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui really did not participate in the Xuanwumen incident, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin planned to let Yuchi Gong kill them, Yuan Xi had this determination at the moment.
In an instant, his expression recovered and he said with a smile: "The two gentlemen insist on going, but Xi has no choice but to do so. I hope that the two of you can help Jizhou achieve a great cause when they come back next time." As he said this, Yuan Xi hit Xu Chu and others with his hand behind his back. A few gestures.
Xun Yu bowed his hand and saluted. When he wanted to pull Guo Jia to get on the carriage again, Guo Jia gently pushed Xun Yu's hand away, "I remember that the second young master made a bet with me a few days ago and owed me a jar of good wine. Now Guo I'm addicted to alcohol and want to go back with the young master to fulfill my bet."
"Fengxiao, what are you doing now?" Xun Yu asked anxiously.
Guo Jia bowed her hands to him and said, "Wen Ruo will go first and wait for Jia to nag the second young master for a while."
Yuan Xi was puzzled and a little happy when he heard this. Xun Yu wanted to pull Guo Jia to say something to him, but Guo Jia just remained calm.
Xun Yu had no choice but to take down Guo Jia's luggage and go on his own. He also gave some instructions before leaving.
After Xun Yu's carriage drove away, Yuan Xi pulled Guo Jia to a pavilion by the post road and asked the sergeant to buy some water and wine from a nearby house.
Yuan Xi smiled and said: "Fengxiao and I hit it off right away. After getting to know each other these days, we feel like close friends. You must stay in Jizhou for a while and let me fulfill my friendship as a landlord."
Guo Jia smiled bitterly and said, "Can Jia not follow the wishes of the young master? I just hope that the young master will agree to Jia Yi's request."
"Even though it's true." Yuan Xi was in a good mood at the moment, and without doubting his presence, motioned to Guo Jia to continue.
Guo Jia stared into Yuan Xi's eyes and said, "Master, please let Wen Ruo go and don't hurt his life."
Yuan Xi was taken aback. He paused with the wine glass in his hand, slightly embarrassed, but smiled and said: "How can I hurt Wen Ruo if I have a good relationship with him? Fengxiao was joking."
"Young master, don't try to deceive me. I just saw the murderous intention in your eyes. If I insist on going to Yanzhou with Wen Ruo, I'm afraid your assassin will be waiting on the way, right?" Guo Jia said seriously.
Yuan Xi laughed, stopped insisting, and raised his right hand and said, "I swear, as long as Feng Xiao can stay and work for the Yuan family, I will never hurt Xun Wenruo."
Guo Jia nodded and said, "In this case, Jia is willing to do his best for the young master."
Yuan Xi knew that he now recognized his approach to a certain extent, but he was determined that even if Guo Jia was not used by him, he would not be allowed to defect to Cao Cao.
Suburbs of Yecheng
Yuan Shao summoned the generals to prepare for hunting today. "In troubled times, martial arts is the basis, and governance is based on literature. Today, I have not decided to join you in hunting and practicing martial arts. It is rare for all generals and lords to gather in Yecheng. Why don't we go out to hunt in the city? What do you think?"
"Okay, let's go out to the city to hunt!" Everyone agreed. How could everyone spoil Yuan Shao's interest?
Following Yuan Shao's command, one hundred civil and military staff of the Yuan Group each mounted their horses, and surrounded by a thousand cavalry, they marched out of Yecheng and headed straight for the suburbs.
How could Yuan Xi fail in such a thing? He borrowed a horse from the stable, mixed it up with the group, and took Xu Chu out of Yecheng together.
Yuan Xi had almost never ridden a horse in the past. Fortunately, he had been trained by Yan Liang and Zhao Yun to train his body and balance. Now Yuan Xi is not as good as Xu Huang and others when riding a horse, but he is not bad for a noble son from a noble family. middle.
In March, spring is warm, flowers are blooming, and the breeze is gentle. The snow has long melted and the grass has just sprouted. You can see for miles at a glance. It is a good time for hunting.
Yuan Shang wanted to steal the limelight and took the lead, galloping at the front of the group.
I saw a white horse on his crotch, galloping like the wind; he was dressed in brocade and jade robes, holding a strong bow, and an arrow pot hung on his waist. He looked majestic and heroic.
Dozens of hunting dogs of various colors followed closely behind him, shouting and barking loudly. It was really a dog's power. Wherever he went, smoke and dust billowed, and chickens flew and dogs jumped.
The team walked more than 20 miles and only shot a few small prey such as rabbits and badgers. This made Yuan Shang very disappointed. He only held a strong bow along the way and did not fire arrows. He only wanted to shoot in front of the cultural relics staff. A big prey, so that you can show your abilities.
After walking a few more miles, we entered a jungle. A frightened elk was driven out of the grass by hounds and ran wildly.
Yuan Shang was overjoyed and shouted, "No one can rob me, I will shoot whoever robs me." He galloped his horse, whipped his horse, bent his bow and nocked an arrow, and chased after him.
A sharp arrow shot out, with the sound of howling wind, hitting the elk's buttocks. However, due to the distance, although the elk felt pain, it was not fatal, and it still ran wildly.
Yuan Shang was so angry that he followed closely. After a while, he saw that the distance was close and shot another arrow. This time with great force and a close distance, the arrow hit the elk's neck. It immediately fell to the ground and was killed by the hunting dogs that rushed forward.
Yuan Shang laughed heartily and was so proud that he ordered his men to disperse the hunting dogs and load the elk into the car.
Seeing that Yuan Shang had hunted the elk, all the civil and military officials cheered in unison, praising each and every one of them: My lord is so lucky to have given birth to two sons, one with outstanding literary talents and the other with outstanding martial arts. They are truly worthy of being descendants of the fourth and third generations of the family. What a blessing. The style of the lord!
Mixed in the crowd, listening to the flattery of the staff to Yuan Shao, Yuan Xi sneered disdainfully in his heart: "Humph, this little skill is nothing. If Zhao Yun is here, there is no need to ride a horse. From the moment he sees the elk appear, , guaranteeing a hit with one arrow, and preventing it from running a hundred feet away. Even if I am in this life, my second-rate archery skills are more than enough."
"Haha... Don't talk nonsense here. The young master's archery skills are very average. He shot the deer to death after shooting two arrows, and you were so proud that he caught up with Hou Yi."
Qu Yi had angered Yuan Shao before and was embarrassed in front of everyone, feeling very unhappy. In addition, he is an arrogant and arrogant person at heart. Hearing everyone's compliments to Yuan Shang against their will, he felt even more dissatisfied. He loudly despised Yuan Shang under the influence of wine and said in his heart, "I can't offend you, Yuan Shao. How many times have I laughed at you?" Your son should be able to do this, right?
Yuan Xi was scorning in his heart, when someone unexpectedly shouted out what he was thinking. Looking closely, it was Qu Yi who said this again.
After hearing what Qu Yi said, Yuan Shang felt deeply ashamed and humiliated, and said angrily: "Qu Yi, you are so rude. You said that my archery skills are not good, so whose archery skills are better?"
"Sun Ce, the little overlord of Jiangdong, the eldest son of Sun Jian, is not much older than you. It is said that he is brave and invincible and can kill tigers with one arrow."
Hearing Yuan Shang ask about himself, Qu Yi decided to discuss a few words with him.
But Yuan Shao, who was beside him, was so angry that he almost fell off his horse and roared: "Qu Yi! You were late today and spoke rudely to me. Now you are using the opportunity to humiliate my son to humiliate me secretly. You know it clearly." You are mocking me for not being as good as Sun Jian! What is your motive for scorning me over and over again? You are clearly planning something evil, so I will kill you as a warning to others!"
As Yuan Shao shouted, Yan Liang, who had long been dissatisfied with Qu Yi, pushed Qu Yi hard. Qu Yi was caught off guard and stumbled off his horse, and was immediately tied up by several sturdy men.
Qu Yi knew that his broken mouth had caused trouble again, and he did not dare to struggle at the moment. He could only let the executioners tie him up, and begged for mercy: "My lord, have mercy on me. Justice is based on the facts, and I have no intention of looking down on my lord. My lord, have mercy on me!" "He Ruodun and He Ruobi of the Northern Zhou Dynasty and Sui Dynasty died because of this.
"Behead it!"
Hearing that Qu Yi was still arrogant, Yuan Shao became cruel and ordered Qu Yi to be chopped off. "My lord, please spare my life. I know I was wrong. I made a mistake while drunk. My lord is merciful even outside the law!"
Unexpectedly, my mouth was happy, but my head was about to move. Seeing the executioner pushing him to the ground, preparing to execute him on the spot, Qu Yi was so frightened that he kowtowed and begged for his life.
"Generals and lords, please say a few good words for Yi..."
Seeing that Yuan Shao was not moved at all, Qu Yi could only ask for help from the staff around him, hoping that someone would stand up and intercede on his behalf to save him from death. It's just that he was always arrogant and arrogant. None of Yuan Shao's civil and military staff had a good relationship with him. Seeing Yuan Shao's anger, no one dared to speak for him.
Yuan Shangyu was still angry. Before Yuan Shao could speak, he waved to the executioner and said, "Hurry up and chop off this guy's head. He is so verbose and noisy to death!"
"promise!"
The swordsman agreed and raised his shining sword to chop it down.
"My life is at risk!"
Seeing that no one was willing to intercede for him, Qu Yi could only close his eyes helplessly, feeling that he had chosen the wrong lord in the first place. If I had known this, I might as well have followed Han Fu honestly.
"Save someone under the knife!"
Yuan Xi shouted, got off his horse, ran to Yuan Shao, and knelt on the ground: "Father, Qu Yi is a general, you can't kill him!" Although Ju Yi was as unruly as Wei Yanhou Junji and others, Talent indeed.
Qu Yi opened his eyes from despair and found that the person who came to plead for him was no one else. It was actually the second son of the Yuan family who had been humiliated by him in public a few days ago. He couldn't help but lamented that fate had played a trick on people, and felt extremely ashamed in his heart. He also looked forward to Yuan Xizhen. He can save his life from the knife.
As for why Yuan Xi stood up, he naturally had his own plans.
First, his lips are dead and his teeth are cold. No matter what, he is a member of the Yuan family and the son of Yuan Shao. If Yuan Shao loses, then he will lose his backer. If everything develops according to the historical trajectory, Yuan Shao will inevitably be on the road to downfall after the Battle of Guandu. Although keeping Qu Yi may not be able to reverse the defeat, Qu Yi is indeed a talent in uniting troops to fight, even better than Zhang He and Xu Huang , I will definitely be able to contribute when the time comes.
Secondly, he saved Qu Yi's life. Even if he won't be grateful to him in the future, at least he will be grateful to him in his heart, right? When the time comes, if I try to win him over, maybe he can be used by me. Currently, Qu Yi is the person among Yuan Shao's civil and military staff who is most likely to be won over by him. However, Yuan Xi thought too much. People like Ju Yi only obeyed the power and did not have any evil intentions. This is something.
Of course, the premise is that he doesn't die today. Therefore, Yuan Xicai decided to plead for Qu Yi with all his strength and save his life. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin saw that Li Jing was talented and did the same to save Li Jing's life. But who knew that Li Jing actually remained neutral in the end.
"Xianyi, are you the one who wants to plead for Qu Yi?"
Yuan Shao held the riding whip in one hand and stared at Yuan Xidao angrily. If Yuan Xi hadn't given him face today, he would have killed Ju Yi long ago.
"Father, don't talk nonsense to him. Does he know anything about military affairs? Does he know what military orders are like? Please give orders quickly and kill Qu Yi!"
Yuan Shang stared at Yuan Xi fiercely while admonishing Yuan Shaoli. Qu Yi humiliated himself in public, and not killing him would not quell his anger.
Yuan Xi turned a blind eye to Yuan Shang's vicious eyes and said to Yuan Shao: "Father, Qu Yi has offended you many times today, which is really unforgivable. I wish I could cut off his head myself to relieve your hatred. However, I also know that Fang Jin is When employing people, all the princes are watching, with Gongsun in the north and Cao Cao in the south. Father, you still need to command the three armies and sweep away the princes. Although Qu Yi is arrogant, he can still be used, so the child begs his father to be merciful and spare him. With one life, he will be able to make meritorious deeds and help his father bring peace to the world."
"What Mr. Xian Yi said is reasonable. Although Qu Yi is arrogant, he is still a talented person. I hope that my lord will remember his past achievements, spare his life, and order him to make meritorious service."
After hearing Yuan Xi's words, Tian Feng got off his horse and saluted to plead for Qu Yi's mercy.
In fact, Yuan Shao really doesn't want to kill Qu Yi now. If he hadn't been offended by Qu Yi again and again, Yuan Shao wouldn't be so angry. At this moment, Yuan Xi and Tian Feng analyzed the situation and slowly calmed down. He decided to temporarily forgive Qu Yi and wait until Gongsun Zan was killed before settling the score with him.
"Hmph... Qu Yi, I'm thinking of Xian Yi and Yuan Hao's sake today, so I'll spare your life..."
When Qu Yi heard this, he was overjoyed. He knelt down on the ground and kowtowed: "Thank you so much, Lord, for not killing me!"
He also kowtowed to Yuan Xi and thanked him for saving him. I will never forget his kindness. After thanking Yuan Xi, he turned around and thanked Tian Feng. Thank you sir for your kind words.
"Although the death penalty is exempted, the living penalty is unforgivable! Give me a heavy punishment of forty military sticks on the left and right to serve as a warning to others."
Yuan Shaoyu was still angry and ordered his men to drag Qu Yi down and beat him with forty army sticks. The soldiers took orders, pulled Qu Yi down, beat him with forty army sticks, and dragged him back again.
"Thank you, Lord, for not killing me!"
Although his butt was beaten to a pulp, Qu Yi did not dare to complain anymore and lay on the ground to thank Yuan Shao.
"Humph, don't think that's the end of it. Xianyi and Yuan Hao said that you are good at using troops and can conquer battles well. Then you lead your troops north and guard Longcuo for me, harassing Gongsun Zan and making him restless. Within half a year, if If you can’t conquer it, come and see us!”
Yuan Shao held the riding whip in his hand, glared at Qu Yi who was lying in front of the horse, and scolded angrily.
"Yes, I am willing to guard Hejian Longcuo and harass Gongsun Zan. Even if I risk my life, I must complete the Lord's order."
learn from mistakes. Qu Yi was beaten and almost lost his head. At this moment, he no longer dared to say no.
The matter came to an end, Yuan Shao ordered to return, and a large group of people surrounded Yuan Shao and his son and returned to Yecheng in a mighty manner.
